DE60129390T2 - Information recording and reproducing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

These The invention relates to a device for recording and Play information on and from a recording medium with big ones capacity (for example, a hard disk or a semiconductor memory) and a removable recording medium.

Description of the state of technology

One VTR (videotape recorder) draws Information representing video content on a magnetic tape and give it back to you. It is known video content information to record on and off a hard disk or a semiconductor memory and play.

It gives a dual device that records video content information and from a magnetic tape and a hard drive can record and play. The magnetic tape is a removable recording medium. The dual Device can be used to implement the following process. A sequence of broadcast TV programs is becoming continuous recorded on the hard disk while desired, which made the on the Hard disk recorded programs are selected, on the magnetic tape dubbed become. The dual device is unable to sequence specify in which the selected Programs on the magnetic tape dubbed become. This is for a user uncomfortable.

JP 2000 069380 discloses that information indicating the reserved state of a specific program may correspond to program guide information displayed on a display screen, the information of the specific program being displayed on the screen in a display format mutually different by each reserved state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It It is an object of this invention to provide an information recording and reproducing apparatus to create, which can specify the order in which programs on a removable recording medium such. B. a magnetic tape to be recorded.

The Aspects of this invention are defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an information recording and reproducing apparatus according to a first embodiment of this invention.

2 is a block diagram of a CPU and an HDD in 1 ,

3 is a diagram of areas of a hard drive in 2 ,

4 Fig. 10 is a diagram of an example of a head recovery page in an HDD navigation image.

5 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example of a page for easy storage in the HDD navigation image. FIG.

6 Fig. 10 is a diagram of an example of a head recovery page in a VHS navigation picture.

7 Figure 12 is a diagram of an example of a thumbnail retouch image for VHS navigation.

8th Fig. 10 is a block diagram of a CPU and an HDD in an information recording and reproducing apparatus according to a second embodiment of this invention.

9 Figure 12 is a diagram of examples of icons and meanings thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First embodiment

1 shows an information recording and reproducing apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of this invention.

The device 10 includes a television tuner 11 , a CPU 12 , a VTR (videotape recorder) 13 , an A / D converter 14 , an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 15 , a D / A converter 16 , Switch 17 and 18 , an ad 19 , a remote control transmitter 20a , a remote control receiver 20b , a TV input terminal TVIN, input terminals IN1 and IN2, and an output terminal OUT. The HDD 15 includes a hard disk access device and signal processing circuits. The ad 19 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display.

An antenna (no reference numeral) may be connected to the TV input terminal TVIN be. The TV input terminal TVIN leads to the tuner 11 , The tuning device 11 is with the switch 17 connected. The input terminals IN1 and IN2 are directly connected to the switch 17 connected. The CPU 12 is with the VTR 13 , the HDD 15 , the switches 17 and 18 , the ad 19 and the remote control receiver 20b connected. The VTR 13 is with the switches 17 and 18 connected. The A / D converter 14 is between the switches 17 and the HDD 15 connected. The HDD 15 is with the D / A converter 16 connected. The D / A converter 16 is with the switches 17 and 18 connected. The desk 18 is connected to the output terminal OUT. A television receiver 1 may be connected to the output terminal OUT. The remote control transmitter 20a can with the remote control receiver 20b communicate wirelessly.

The remote control transmitter 20a has a body that can be used with operating buttons such. Channel selection keys CH1-CH12, an HDD key, a VHS key, "+" arranged cursor movement selection keys, a decision key (OK key), an end key (navigation key) and a memory key. The operation buttons can be operated by a user. When the operation buttons are pressed, the remote control transmitter generates 20a corresponding command signals. The remote control transmitter 20a sends the generated command signals to the remote control receiver 20b , The remote control receiver 20b transmits the command signals to the CPU 12 ,

The CPU 12 comprises a combination of an input / output port, a processing section, a RAM and a ROM. The CPU 12 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM. The control program is designed to allow the CPU 12 Operating steps implemented, which will be mentioned later. The CPU 12 controls the VTR 13 , the HDD 15 , the switches 17 and 18 and the ad 19 by responding to command signals via the remote control receiver 20b be supplied.

An RF television signal may be sent to the tuner via the TV input terminal TVIN 11 be supplied. The tuning device 11 converts the RF television signal into a baseband signal representing a television program, ie content (video content or audio / video content). The tuning device 11 gives the content signal to the switch 17 out. Signals representing content (video content or audio / video content) may be sent to the switch 17 be supplied via the input terminals IN1 and IN2. One from the D / A converter 16 output content signal becomes the switch 17 fed. One from the VTR 13 output content signal becomes the switch 17 fed.

The CPU 12 change the switch 17 between different states. If the CPU 12 the switch 17 set to its first state, the switch selects 17 a fixed one of the content signal generated by the tuner 11 is supplied to the content signal supplied through the input terminal IN1 to the content signal supplied through the input terminal IN2 to the content signal supplied from the D / A converter 16 is supplied, and the content signal from the VTR 13 is supplied, out. The desk 17 transmits the selected content signal to the A / D converter 14 , In this case, the A / D converter changes 14 thus, signal the selected content signal into a corresponding digital content and provide the digital content signal to the HDD 15 out. The digital content signal can be transmitted through the HDD 15 to be recorded. If the CPU 12 the switch 17 in its second state, the switch selects 17 a fixed one of the content signal generated by the tuner 11 is supplied to the content signal supplied through the input terminal IN1 to the content signal supplied through the input terminal IN2 to the content signal supplied from the D / A converter 16 is supplied, and the content signal from the VTR 13 is supplied, out. The desk 17 transmits the selected content signal to the VTR 13 , In this case, the selected content signal may thus be transmitted by the VTR 13 to be recorded. If the CPU 12 the switch 17 in its third state, the switch selects 17 first and second predetermined from the content signal generated by the tuner 11 is supplied to the content signal supplied through the input terminal IN1 to the content signal supplied through the input terminal IN2 to the content signal supplied from the D / A converter 16 is supplied, and the content signal from the VTR 13 is supplied, out. The desk 17 transmits the first and second selected content signals to the A / D converter 14 or to the VTR 13 , In this case, the A / D converter changes 14 thus, the first selected content signal into a corresponding digital content signal and outputs the digital content signal to the HDD 15 out. The digital content signal can be transmitted through the HDD 15 to be recorded. At the same time, the second selected content signal may be transmitted by the VTR 13 to be recorded.

The HDD 15 is provided with a recording medium, ie a hard disk. The HDD 15 receives the content signal from the A / D converter 14 , The HDD 15 can the output signal (the content signal) from the A / D converter 14 to record on the hard disk while passing through the CPU 12 is controlled. The HDD 15 can play the recorded content signal from the hard disk while it is being processed by the CPU 12 is controlled. The HDD 15 gives the recorded content signal to the D / A converter 16 out. The D / A converter 16 changes the reproduced content signal into a corresponding analogue ges content signal. The D / A converter 16 gives the analog content signal to the switches 17 and 18 out.

The VTR 13 is provided with a removable recording medium, ie, a magnetic tape. The VTR 13 receives the selected content signal from the switch 17 , The VTR 13 can select the selected content signal from the switch 17 Record on the magnetic tape while passing through the CPU 12 is controlled. The VTR 13 can play the recorded content signal from the magnetic tape while passing through the CPU 12 is controlled. The VTR 13 gives the reproduced content signal to the switches 17 and 18 out.

As mentioned above, this is from the D / A converter 16 output content signal not only the switch 17 but also the switch 18 fed. Likewise, that is from the VTR 13 output content signal not only the switch 17 but also the switch 18 fed. Under the control of the CPU 12 the switch selects 18 a fixed one from the content signal from the D / A converter 16 is supplied, and the content signal from the VTR 13 is supplied, out. The desk 18 the selected content signal feeds the output terminal OUT. The selected content signal becomes the television receiver through the output terminal OUT 1 transfer. A video signal in the selected content signal may be displayed on a television receiver 1 while having an audio signal therein through speakers of the television receiver 1 can be converted into appropriate tones.

In the device 10 may record a first content signal by one of the VTR 13 and the HDD 15 and the reproduction of a second content signal by the other is carried out simultaneously.

As in 2 shown includes the HDD 15 a recording control unit 21 , a media manager 22 , a hard drive 23 , a reproduction control unit 24 , a playback signal processor 25 , a display control unit 26 , an OSD processor (on-screen display processor) 27 and a recording signal processor 31 , The CPU 12 includes a system controller 28 , a recording reservation manager 29 and a system clock 30 ,

The recording signal processor 31 follows the A / D converter 14 , The recording signal processor 31 is with the recording control unit 21 connected. The recording control unit 21 is with the media manager 22 and the system controller 28 connected. The media manager 22 can on the hard drive 23 which is a recording medium. The media manager 22 is with the playback control unit 24 and the system controller 28 connected. The playback control unit 24 is with the playback signal processor 25 and the system controller 28 connected. The playback signal processor 25 is with the display control unit 26 and the OSD processor 27 connected. The display control unit 26 is with the OSD processor 27 and the system controller 28 connected. The OSD processor 27 follows the D / A converter 16 , The system controller 28 is with the recording reservation manager 29 and the system clock 30 connected. In addition, the system controller 28 with the VTR 13 , the switches 17 and 18 , the ad 19 and the remote control receiver 20b (please refer 1 ) connected.

The recording signal processor 31 receives the content signal from the A / D converter 14 , The recording signal processor 31 includes a compression encoder such as. As an MPEG encoder. Here is "MPEG" an abbreviation for Moving Picture Experts Group. The recording signal processor 31 subjects the output signal of the A / D converter 14 a compression process, such as an MPEG-based compression process, to obtain the compression-resultant content signal (the MPEG-format content signal). The recording signal processor 31 gives the compression-resultant content signal to the recording control unit 21 out.

The recording control unit 21 Adds auxiliary information to the compression-resultant content signal. The recording control unit 21 stores the content signal with auxiliary information added in a buffer (not shown). The recording control unit 21 reads out the content signal with added auxiliary information from the buffer and gives the read content signal to the media manager 22 at a prescribed time.

The media manager 22 sets the content signal from the recording control unit 21 into a content signal with a prescribed format for recording to disk 23 suitable is. The media manager 22 can extract copyright management information and attribute information from the content signal. The copyright management information and the attribute information relate to the program represented by the content signal. The media manager 22 may provide the copyright management information and attribute information to the system controller 28 output. The media manager 22 includes an arrangement for accessing the hard disk 23 , The media manager 22 Records the content signal with the prescribed format on the hard disk 23 on. The media manager 22 can record the recorded content signal from the hard disk 23 Clear. Recording a content signal on the hard disk 23 and the Delete another content signal from the hard disk 23 Alternatively, through the media manager 22 be implemented on a time sharing basis. The media manager 22 gives the content signal in the prescribed format from the hard disk 23 again. The media manager 22 sets the reproduced content signal into a content signal having an original format equal to the format of a content signal output from the recording control unit 21 is spent to. The media manager 22 gives the resulting content signal to the reproduction control unit 24 out.

The playback control unit 24 saves the content signal from the media manager 22 in a buffer (not shown). The playback control unit 24 reads out the content signal from the buffer and outputs the read-out content signal to the reproduction signal processor 25 at a prescribed time. In addition, the playback control unit extracts 24 the auxiliary information from the content signal. The playback control unit 24 returns the extracted help information to the system controller 28 out.

The playback signal processor 25 includes an expansion decoder such as. As an MPEG decoder. The playback signal processor 25 subjects the content signal to the playback control unit 24 an extension process, such as an MPEG-based expansion process, to obtain the content signal resulting from the extension. The expansion process is related to the compression process by the recording signal processor 31 vice versa. The playback signal processor 25 returns the content signal resulting from the extension to the OSD processor 27 out. The sustain signal resulting from the extension has a set of a video signal and an audio signal. The playback signal processor 25 generates a synchronization signal with respect to the video signal. The playback signal processor 25 gives the synchronization signal to the display control unit 26 out.

The OSD processor 27 inserts information on the screen (OSI) to that from the playback signal processor 25 added content signal. In other words, the OSD processor 27 superimposes the information on the screen (OSI) on that from the playback signal processor 25 output content signal. The OSD processor 27 includes a VRAM (a video RAM or a frame memory). The VRAM is used in superimposing the on-screen information (OSI) on the content signal. The OSD processor 27 gives the content signal with added OSI to the D / A converter 16 out. The display control unit 26 controls the OSD processor 7 on the basis of a timing determined by that of the playback signal processor 25 supplied synchronization signal is determined.

The recording reservation manager 29 includes a memory storing information of program reservations (program reservation reservations). The recording reservation manager 29 sends and receives information to and from the system controller 28 , The system clock 30 maintains information of current date and current system controller information 28 to.

The system controller 28 controls the recording control unit 21 , the media manager 22 , the playback control unit 24 and the display control unit 26 while reading information to and from the devices 21 . 22 . 24 and 26 sends and receives. The from the control unit 28 to the display control unit 26 Information sent has components that correspond to the information on the screen. In addition, the system controller controls 28 the VTR 13 , the switches 17 and 18 and the ad 19 , The system controller 28 For example, it includes a microcomputer or similar device having a combination of an input / output port, a processing section, a RAM, and a ROM. The system controller 28 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM. The control program is designed to be the system controller 28 to allow to implement operational steps which will be mentioned later.

The ROM or other memory in the system controller 28 saves image files and text data. The system controller 28 generates a signal representing a GUI-type HDD navigation image and a signal representing a GUI-type VHS navigation image (a VTR navigation image) on the basis of the image files and the text data. Here, "GUI" is an abbreviation for graphical user interface. The system controller 28 compresses the signal of the HDD navigation image and the signal of the VHS navigation image, for example, according to the JPEG standards (standards of the Joint Photographic Experts Group). The system controller 28 indicates the compression-resultant signal of the HDD navigation image and the compression-resultant signal for the VHS navigation image to the media manager 22 out. The system controller 28 controls the media manager 22 whereby the signal resulting from the compression of the HDD navigation image and the resulting from the compression signal of the VHS navigation image on the hard disk 23 to be recorded.

As in 3 shown includes the hard drive 23 Areas H31, H32, H33, H34 and H35. The Be Rich H31 stores content signals (program signals) designated by identification numbers # 1, # 2,... and #N, respectively. The area H31 is also referred to as video content area H31. The area H32 stores data representing a table representing the correspondence relationship between the program identification numbers # 1, # 2, ... and #N and the addresses in the video content area H31 on the hard disk 23 indicates where the program signals are recorded. The addresses consist of sector addresses and track addresses. The area H32 is also referred to as program / HD correspondence table area H32. The area H33 stores HDD navigation data for the program signals # 1, # 2, ... and #N stored in the video content area H31. For each of the program signals # 1, # 2, ..., and #N, the HDD navigation data includes a thumbnail signal and also detailed information representing a program title, a recording date, a recording channel, a recording time, a genre, and a picture icon or icons. The area H33 is also referred to as HDD navigation data area H33. The area H34 stores VHS navigation data (VTR navigation data) for program signals # 1, # 2, ... and #M recorded on the magnetic tape in the VTR 13 to be recorded. For each of the program signals # 1, # 2, ..., and #M, the VHS navigation data includes a thumbnail signal and also detailed information representing a program title, a recording date, a recording channel, a recording time, a genre, and a picture icon or icons. The area H34 is also referred to as VHS navigation data area H34. The area H35 stores data representing a table indicating the correspondence relationship between the program identification numbers # 1, # 2, ... and #M and the addresses where the program signals are respectively recorded. The addresses consist of band identification numbers and band positions. The area H35 is also referred to as the program / band correspondence table area H35.

The operation of the device 10 can operate under different modes in response to command signals transmitted via the remote control transmitter 20a be changed. The modes of the apparatus include an HDD recording mode, an HDD playback mode, an HDD navigation mode, a VHS recording mode (a VTR recording mode), a VHS playback mode (a VTR playback mode), a VHS navigation mode (a VTR recording mode). Navigation mode), a normal dubbing mode, a continuous dubbing mode and a midnight dubbing mode.

The HDD recording mode of the device 10 is started when a recording command signal in the system controller 28 via the remote control transmitter 20a and the remote control receiver 20b is entered. During the HDD recording mode of the device 10 becomes the switch 17 through the system controller 28 controlled to be set from the content signal supplied by the tuner 11 is supplied to the content signal supplied through the input terminal IN1 to the content signal supplied through the input terminal IN2 to the content signal supplied from the D / A converter 16 is supplied, and the content signal from the VTR 13 is supplied to select. The desk 17 transmits the selected content signal to the A / D converter 14 , The A / D converter 14 changes the selected content signal into a corresponding digital content signal. The A / D converter 14 gives the digital content signal to the recording signal processor 31 out. The recording signal processor 31 sets the output of the A / D converter 14 into a compressed content signal in MPEG format. The recording signal processor 31 gives the MPEG content signal to the recording control unit 21 out. On the other hand, the system controller receives 28 the information of the current date and the information of the current time of the system clock 30 , The system controller 28 transmits the current date information and the current time information to the recording control unit 21 , The recording control unit 21 generates program identification number information and frame information related to the MPEG content signal. The recording control unit 21 combines the current date information, the current time information, the program identification number information, and the auxiliary information frame information. The recording control unit 21 adds the auxiliary information to the MPEG content signal. The added auxiliary information is equivalent to information of the transmission time or the time on transmission (the time stamp on the transmission) of the content signal. The recording control unit 21 has an internal buffer. The recording control unit 21 stores the content signal with added auxiliary information in the internal buffer.

During the HDD recording mode of the device 10 becomes the recording control unit 21 through the system controller 28 so controlled that the content signal with added auxiliary information from the buffer in the recording control unit 21 is read out and to the media manager 22 is issued. The media manager 22 is through the system control unit 28 controlled, whereby the content signal from the recording control unit 21 is converted into a content signal of the prescribed format for recording on the hard disk 23 suitable is. The Me serving manager 22 Records the content signal in the prescribed format in the video content area H31 on the hard disk 23 on while passing through the system control unit 28 is controlled. That on the hard drive 23 recorded content signal contains the auxiliary information. Under the control of the system controller 28 generates the media manager 22 program related information that relates the added help information and the address in the video content area H31 on the hard disk 23 where the recorded content signal is located. In particular, the media manager generates 22 Table information showing the correspondence relationship between the program identification number and the address in the video content area H31 on the hard disk 23 indicate where the recorded content signal is located. The media manager 22 records the table information in the H32 area of the hard disk 23 on.

During the HDD recording mode of the device 10 receives the system controller 28 from the media manager 22 a signal representing an image in a program represented by the content signal occurring at the beginning of the recording of the program (the content signal). The system controller 28 sets the signal representing the program start picture to a signal indicating a thumbnail. On the basis of the information of the present date and the information of the present time, which is from the system clock 30 and also of command signals transmitted via the remote control receiver 20b are supplied, the system controller generates 28 detailed program-related information representing a program title, a recording date, a recording channel, a recording time, a genre and a picture icon or icons. The system controller 28 combines the thumbnail image signal and detailed program related information into HDD navigation data. The system controller 28 gives the HDD navigation data to the media manager 22 out. The system controller 28 controls the media manager 22 , which makes the HDD navigation data in the range H33 on the hard disk 23 to be recorded.

During the HDD recording mode of the device 10 Several program signals (content signals) can successively be found in the video content area H31 on the hard disk 23 to be recorded. For each of the recorded programs, table information is displayed in the H32 area of the hard disk 23 recorded while HDD navigation data is recorded in area H33.

In general, the system control unit 28 via a specified program signal (a specified content signal) via the remote control transmitter 20a and the remote control receiver 20b informed when the device 10 in the HDD playback mode. The system controller 28 notifies the media manager 22 via the specified program signal. The HDD playback mode of the device 10 is started when a playback command signal enters the system controller 28 via the remote control transmitter 20a and the remote control receiver 20b is entered. In response to the playback command signal, the system controller controls 28 especially the media manager 22 to access the program / HD correlation table in the H32 area of the hard disk 23 access. Under the control of the system controller 28 takes the media manager 22 to the program / HD correspondence table, and searches the addresses in the table for one corresponding to the designated program signal (the designated content signal). In addition, the media manager attacks 22 to the search result address in the video content area H31 on the hard disk 23 and thereby reproduces the predetermined program signal (the designated content signal) thereof. Under the control of the system controller 28 continues the media manager 22 the reproduced content signal into a content signal having an original format equal to the format of a content signal output from the recording control unit 21 is spent to. The media manager 22 outputs the resulting content signal to the reproduction control unit 24 out. The playback control unit 24 has an internal buffer. The playback control unit 24 saves the content signal from the media manager 22 in the internal buffer. Under the control of the system controller 28 reads the playback control unit 24 the content signal from the internal buffer. The playback control unit 24 extracts the auxiliary information from the read content signal.

During the HDD playback mode of the device 10 gives the playback control unit 24 the read content signal to the playback signal processor 25 out. In addition, the playback control unit outputs 24 the extracted help information to the system controller 28 out. The playback signal processor 25 subjects the content signal to the playback control unit 24 the extension process, such as the MPEG-based expansion process, to obtain the content signal resulting from the extension. The playback signal processor 25 returns the content signal resulting from the extension to the OSD processor 27 out. The content signal resulting from the extension has a set of a video signal and an audio signal. The playback signal processor 25 generates a synchronization signal with respect to the video signal. The playback signal processor 25 gives the synchronization signal to the display controller Ness 26 out. The system controller 28 transmits the auxiliary information from the playback control unit 24 to the display control unit 26 , The display control unit 26 controls the OSD processor 27 in response to the synchronization signal from the playback signal processor 25 and the help information from the system controller 28 so the OSD processor 27 appropriate on-screen information (OSI) to that from the playback signal processor 25 adds output content signal. The information on the screen comes from the help information. The OSD processor 27 gives the content signal with added OSI to the D / A converter 16 out. The D / A converter 16 changes the output signal of the OSD processor 27 into an analog content signal with added OSI. The D / A converter 16 gives the analog content signal with added OSI to the switch 18 out. The desk 18 is from the system controller 28 Controlled, the analog content signal with added OSI to the TV receiver 1 transfers. A video signal in the analog content signal with added OSI is displayed on the television receiver 1 displayed while an audio signal therein through the speakers of the television receiver 1 is converted into appropriate tones.

During the HDD playback mode of the device 10 Multiple specified program signals (fixed content signals) can successively from the video content area H31 on the hard disk 23 be reproduced. In this case, the addresses in the program / HD correspondence table are searched for those corresponding to the specified program signals.

The normal dubbing mode of the device 10 is started by responding to a corresponding command signal via the remote control transmitter 20a is entered. In conjunction with the normal dubbing command signal, the system controller becomes 28 informed about a program requested for dubbing. During the normal dubbing mode of the device 10 controls the system controller 28 the media manager 22 by responding to the command signal for normal dubbing and the information of the requested program, whereby the requested program by referring to the program / HD correspondence table in the area H32 of the hard disk 23 and the content signal representing the requested program is retrieved from the video content area H31 of the hard disk 23 is reproduced. The rendered content signal is provided by the media manager 22 to the D / A converter 16 via the playback control unit 24 , the playback signal processor 25 and the OSD processor 27 transfer. The D / A converter 16 changes the reproduced content signal into an analog content signal representing the requested program. The D / A converter 16 gives the analog content signal to the switch 17 out. The desk 17 directs the output of the D / A converter 16 to the VTR 13 while passing through the system control unit 28 is controlled. The VTR 13 records the incoming content signal on the magnetic tape while passing through the system controller 28 is controlled. Consequently, the requested program is transferred to the magnetic tape.

During the normal dubbing mode of the device 10 captures the system controller 28 the program identification number of the information of the requested program. The system controller 28 receives from the VTR 13 Information representing the address where the dubbed content signal (the dubbed program signal) is located. The address consists of the band identification number and the band position. The system controller 28 informs the media manager 22 the detected program identification number and the address where the dubbed content signal is located. Under the control of the system controller 28 generates the media manager 22 Table information indicating the correspondence relationship between the program identification number and the address where the dubbed content signal is located. The media manager 22 draws the table information in the area H35 on the hard disk 23 on.

During the normal dubbing mode of the device 10 controls the system controller 28 the media manager 22 to access the HDD navigation data area H33 on the hard disk 23 access. Under the control of the system controller 28 the media manager reads 22 from the area H33 on the hard disk 23 the HDD navigation data corresponding to the acquired program identification number. Then copy or draw the media manager 22 the read HDD navigation data in the area H34 on the hard disk 23 as VHS navigation data (VTR navigation data) for the dubbed content signal designated by the acquired program identification number.

The continuous dubbing mode and the midnight dubbing mode of the device 10 are similar to the normal dubbing mode thereof except for the following points. During the continuous dubbing mode of the device 10 Several requested programs are continuously removed from the hard disk 23 on the magnetic tape in the VTR 13 dubbed. In this case, the H35 area becomes the hard disk 23 is loaded with table information indicating the correspondence relationship between the program identification numbers and the addresses where the dubbed content signals are located. Further HDD navigation data corresponding to the transferred content signals is from the hard disk area H33 23 in its area H34 copied as VHS navigation data (VTR navigation data) for the dubbed content signals. The midnight dubbing mode of the device 10 is automatically executed during a given time period.

When the navigation key (the end key) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed, a corresponding command signal (a navigation command signal) from the remote control transmitter 20a to the system controller 28 via the remote control receiver 20b transfer. The system controller 28 controls the media manager 22 in response to the navigation command signal, whereby the signal resulting from the compression of the HDD navigation image or the resulting compression of the VHS navigation image from the hard disk 23 is reproduced. When the navigation command signal relates to the HDD navigation, the compression-resultant signal of the HDD navigation image is reproduced. On the other hand, when the navigation command signal relates to the VHS navigation, the signal of the VHS navigation picture resulting from the compression is reproduced. The system controller 28 expands the reproduced signal of the HDD navigation image or the reproduced signal of the VHS navigation image. The system controller 28 indicates the expansion-resultant signal of the HDD navigation image or the expansion-resultant signal of the VHS navigation image to the reproduction control unit 24 out. The playback control unit 24 and the switch 18 be through the system control unit 28 so controlled that the signal of the HDD navigation image or the signal of the VHS navigation image from the playback control unit 24 to the television receiver 1 via the playback signal processor 25 , the OSD processor 27 , the D / A converter 16 and the switch 18 can be transferred. Consequently, the HDD navigation picture or the VHS navigation picture on the display of the television receiver 1 are displayed. In addition, the system controller controls 28 the media manager 22 , which removes the thumbnail signals from the hard disk 23 be reproduced. When the navigation command signal relates to the HDD navigation, the thumbnail signals for the HDD navigation are reproduced. On the other hand, when the navigation command signal relates to the VHS navigation, the thumbnail signals for the VHS navigation are reproduced. The system controller 28 transmits the thumbnail signals from the media manager 22 to the display control unit 26 , The display control unit 26 The thumbnail image signals are supplied to the OSD processor 27 to. The OSD processor 27 superimposes the thumbnail image signals on the signal of the HDD navigation image or the signal of the VHS navigation image. Consequently, the HDD navigation picture or the VHS navigation picture displayed on the television receiver 1 is displayed, the thumbnails each in prescribed display positions. Further, the system controller controls 28 the media manager 22 , which provides the detailed program-related information from the disk 23 be reproduced. When the navigation command signal relates to the HDD navigation, the detailed program related information for the HDD navigation is reproduced. On the other hand, when the navigation command signal relates to the VHS navigation, the detailed program-related information for the VHS navigation is reproduced. The system controller 28 transmits the detailed program related information from the media manager 22 to the display control unit 26 , The display control unit 26 The detailed program-related information is passed to the OSD processor 27 to. The OSD processor 27 superimposes the detailed information related to the program on the signal of the HDD navigation image or the signal of the VHS navigation image. Consequently, the HDD navigation picture or the VHS navigation picture displayed on the television receiver 1 is displayed, sections corresponding to the detailed program related information.

The HDD navigation image has three basic pages, that is, a head recovery page, an easy-to-save page, and an editing page. The head recovery page is for retrieving the heads of the respective recorded contents (of the respective recorded programs) on the hard disk 23 designed. An example of the head recovery page is in 4 shown. The easy saving page is for copying or dubbing a content signal (program) from the hard disk 23 on the magnetic tape in the VTR 13 designed. An example of the page for easy saving is in 5 shown. Each of the head recovery page, the easy-to-store page and the edit page has a set of thumbnails each in prescribed display positions. Each of the head recovery page, the easy save page, and the edit page includes three tabs corresponding to the three base pages, respectively. Any of the head recovery page, the easy save page, and the edit page are selected and displayed by setting the corresponding tab. Detailed pages are linked to each of the three base pages. An erase-related page is an example of one of the detailed pages.

A lower area of each side of the HDD navigation picture and the VHS navigation picture gives guidance on the operation of the "+" - arranged cursor movement selection keys, the decision key (OK key) and the end key (navigation key) on the remote control transmitter 20a at. Each side of the HDD navigation image and the VHS navigation image has a cursor. By operating the "+" arranged cursor movement selection keys, the cursor is moved between limited positions, including key positions and tab positions, according to a GUI image.

• (A1) Navigationsdaten werden im Bereich H33 auf der Festplatte 23 aufgezeichnet.
• (A2) Die maximale Anzahl von registrierten Programmen (registrierten Programmen, die durch die Inhaltsignale dargestellt werden), die der Navigation unterliegen, ist gleich 60.
• (A3) Programmgattungen sind von 12 bis 16 Typen, die durch digitalen BS-Rundfunk vorgeschrieben sind.
• (A4) Jeder Programmtitel ist durch höchstens 15 alphanumerische Buchstaben oder Zeichen bezeichnet.
• (A5) Ein Programmbild, das am Beginn der Aufzeichnung eines Programms vorkommt, wird als Miniaturbild registriert. Ein Programm in Reservierung wird durch die Meldung "in Reservierung" bezeichnet, die im letzten unter Bildabschnitten für die Miniaturbilder angeordnet ist. Die Meldung "in Reservierung" kann durch einen vorher registrierten Bildabschnitt ersetzt werden, der "in Reservierung" angibt. Hinsichtlich der Aufzeichnung eines Programms von weniger als 5 Minuten auf Reservierungsbasis wird ein Programmbild, das am Beginn der Aufzeichnung vorkommt, als Miniaturbild registriert. Hinsichtlich der Aufzeichnung eines Programms von 5 Minuten oder länger auf Reservierungsbasis wird ein Programmbild, das am Beginn der Aufzeichnung vorkommt, als Miniaturbild registriert und das Miniaturbild wird auf ein Programmbild, das 5 Minuten danach vorkommt, aktualisiert. Insbesondere erzeugt die Systemsteuereinheit 28 ein Signal, das ein Miniaturbild angibt, auf der Basis eines Programmbildes, das am Beginn der Aufzeichnung eines Programms vorkommt. Die Systemsteuereinheit 28 zeichnet das Miniaturbildsignal im HDD-Navigationsdatenbereich H33 auf der Festplatte 23 über den Medienmanager 22 auf. Im Fall der Aufzeichnung eines Programms auf Reservierungsbasis startet die Systemsteuereinheit 28 einen Zeitgeber zum Messen des Zeitablaufs. Wenn der Zeitgeber anzeigt, dass 5 Minuten abgelaufen sind, erzeugt die Systemsteuereinheit 28 ein Signal, das ein neues Miniaturbild anzeigt, auf der Basis des vorliegenden Programmbildes. Die Systemsteuereinheit 28 schreibt das neue Miniaturbildsignal über das alte im HDD-Navigationsdatenbereich H33 auf der Festplatte 23 über den Medienmanager 22.
• (A6) Jedes registrierte Miniaturbild kann durch ein überarbeitetes ersetzt werden.
• (A7) Wenn ein Miniaturbild mit dem Cursor festgelegt wird, werden detaillierte Informationen in Bezug auf das Miniaturbild in einem Bildabschnitt unter dem Miniaturbild angezeigt. Die detaillierten Informationen stellen einen Programmtitel, ein Aufzeichnungsdatum, einen Aufzeichnungskanal, eine Aufzeichnungszeit, eine Gattung und ein Bildsymbol oder Bildsymbole dar.
• (A8) Eine Wiedergabetaste, eine Überarbeitungstaste, eine Löschtaste und eine Abbruchtaste sind in einem Bildbereich unter den detaillierten Informationen angegeben.

The device 10 has an HDD navigation function corresponding to the HDD navigation mode. The features of the HDD navigation function are as follows.

• (A1) Navigation data is in the H33 area on the hard disk 23 recorded.
• (A2) The maximum number of registered programs (registered programs represented by the content signals) subject to navigation is equal to 60.
• (A3) Program types are from 12 to 16 types prescribed by BS digital broadcasting.
• (A4) Each program title is denoted by a maximum of 15 alphanumeric letters or characters.
• (A5) A program picture occurring at the beginning of recording a program is registered as a thumbnail picture. A program in reservation is indicated by the message "in reservation", which in the last is arranged under picture sections for the thumbnails. The message "in reservation" may be replaced with a previously registered image section indicating "in reservation". With regard to the recording of a program of less than 5 minutes on reservation basis, a program picture occurring at the beginning of the recording is registered as a thumbnail picture. Regarding the recording of a program of 5 minutes or more on a reservation basis, a program picture occurring at the beginning of the recording is registered as a thumbnail and the thumbnail is updated to a program picture occurring 5 minutes thereafter. In particular, the system controller generates 28 a signal indicative of a thumbnail based on a program image occurring at the beginning of recording a program. The system controller 28 Draws the thumbnail signal in the HDD navigation data area H33 on the hard disk 23 via the media manager 22 on. In the case of recording a reservation-based program, the system controller starts 28 a timer for measuring the passage of time. If the timer indicates that 5 minutes have elapsed, the system controller generates 28 a signal indicating a new thumbnail on the basis of the present program image. The system controller 28 writes the new thumbnail image signal over the old one in the HDD navigation data area H33 on the hard disk 23 via the media manager 22 ,
• (A6) Each registered thumbnail can be replaced with a revised one.
• (A7) When a thumbnail is specified with the cursor, detailed information regarding the thumbnail is displayed in a portion of the image below the thumbnail. The detailed information represents a program title, a recording date, a recording channel, a recording time, a genre and a picture icon or icons.
• (A8) A play button, a review button, a delete button and a cancel button are indicated in an image area among the detailed information.

• (B1) Wenn die Endtaste (Navigationstaste) am Fernbedienungssender 20a unter den Bedingungen herabgedrückt wird, unter denen sich die Leistungsversorgung für die Vorrichtung 10 in einem Ein-Zustand befindet, wird die Kopfwiedergewinnungsseite des HDD-Navigationsbildes auf der Anzeige des Fernsehempfängers 1 angezeigt. Der Cursor zeigt anfänglich auf das dem zuletzt aufgezeichneten Programm entsprechende Miniaturbild. Der Cursor kann unter den Miniaturbildern gemäß der Bedienung der "+"-angeordneten Cursorbewegungs-Auswahltasten auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a bewegt werden. Die Miniaturbilder können gemäß der Bedienung der "+"-angeordneten Cursorbewegungs-Auswahltasten gerollt werden.
• (B2) Die Miniaturbilder werden in der Reihenfolge angezeigt, die der Reihenfolge der Aufzeichnung der zugehörigen Programme entspricht. Ein Programm in Reservierung wird durch die Meldung "in Reservierung", die im letzten von Bildabschnitten für die Miniaturbilder angeordnet ist, angegeben.
• (B3) Wenn die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a unter den Bedingungen herabgedrückt wird, unter denen eines der Miniaturbilder durch den Cursor festgelegt ist, wird der Cursor zur Wiedergabetaste im angegebenen Bild bewegt. Wenn die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) herabgedrückt wird, beginnt das dem durch den Cursor festgelegten Miniaturbild entsprechende Programm wiedergegeben zu werden.
• (B4) In dem Fall, in dem die kontinuierliche Wiedergabe von mehreren Programmen angefordert wird, wird, wenn eines der Miniaturbilder durch den Cursor festgelegt wird und die Speichertaste auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a herabgedrückt wird, die Wiedergabereihenfolgenummer des dem festgelegten Miniaturbild entsprechenden Programms registriert und wird auf dem festgelegten Miniaturbild angezeigt, wie in 5 gezeigt. In dem Fall, in dem das Miniaturbild mit dem Cursor festgelegt bleibt, wenn die Speichertaste auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a wieder herabgedrückt wird, wird die Wiedergabereihenfolgenummer aus dem Miniaturbild gelöscht, um "abgebrochen" anzugeben. In dem Fall, in dem die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a herabgedrückt wird, nachdem der Cursor zur Wiedergabetaste in dem angezeigten Bild bewegt wird, wird andererseits die kontinuierliche Wiedergabe von mehreren Programmen gestartet. Insbesondere weist die Systemsteuereinheit 28 den angeforderten Programmen Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern durch Ansprechen auf die über den Fernbedienungssender 20a zugeführten Befehlssignale zu. Die Systemsteuereinheit 28 lädt einen internen Speicher mit Informationen, die die Zuweisung der Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern zu den angeforderten Programmen darstellen. Die Systemsteuereinheit 28 informiert den OSD-Prozessor 27 über die zugewiesenen Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern über die Anzeigesteuereinheit 26. Der OSD-Prozessor 27 überlagert die Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern jeweils über die entsprechenden Miniaturbilder. Unter der Steuerung durch die Systemsteuereinheit 28 gibt der Medienmanager 22 nacheinander die angeforderten Programme von der Festplatte 23 in der Reihenfolge, die der Reihenfolge entspricht, die durch die zugewiesenen Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern bestimmt ist, wieder.

The device 10 has a head recovery page display function with respect to the HDD navigation image. The features of the head recovery page display function are as follows.

• (B1) When the end key (navigation key) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which the power supply for the device 10 is in an on state, the head recovery page of the HDD navigation picture on the display of the television receiver 1 displayed. The cursor initially points to the thumbnail image corresponding to the last recorded program. The cursor may be under the thumbnails according to the operation of the "+" - arranged cursor movement selection keys on the remote control transmitter 20a to be moved. The thumbnails may be scrolled in accordance with the operation of the "+" arranged cursor movement selection keys.
• (B2) The thumbnails are displayed in the order that corresponds to the order of recording of the corresponding programs. A program in reservation is indicated by the message "in reservation", which is located in the last of image sections for the thumbnails.
• (B3) When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed down under the conditions under which one of the thumbnails is set by the cursor, the cursor is moved to the play button in the specified picture. When the decision key (OK key) is depressed, the program corresponding to the thumbnail designated by the cursor starts to be reproduced.
• (B4) In the case where the continuous reproduction of multiple programs is requested, if one of the thumbnails passes through the cursor is set and the memory button on the remote control transmitter 20a is registered, the playback order number of the program corresponding to the designated thumbnail is registered, and is displayed on the designated thumbnail as in 5 shown. In the case where the thumbnail remains fixed with the cursor when the memory button on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed down again, the playback order number is deleted from the thumbnail image to indicate "aborted". In the case where the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a On the other hand, when the cursor is moved to the play button in the displayed picture, continuous playback of a plurality of programs is started. In particular, the system controller 28 the requested programs play order serial numbers by responding to the via the remote control transmitter 20a supplied command signals to. The system controller 28 loads an internal memory with information representing the assignment of the playback order serial numbers to the requested programs. The system controller 28 informs the OSD processor 27 about the assigned playback order serial numbers via the display control unit 26 , The OSD processor 27 superimposes the playback order serial numbers on the respective thumbnails. Under the control of the system controller 28 gives the media manager 22 successively the requested programs from the hard disk 23 in the order corresponding to the order determined by the assigned reproduction order serial numbers.

• (C1) Wenn die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a unter den Bedingungen herabgedrückt wird, unter denen der Reiter zum leichten Speichern durch den Cursor festgelegt wird, wird die Seite zum leichten Speichern des HDD-Navigationsbildes auf der Anzeige des Fernsehempfängers 1 angezeigt. Ein Beispiel der Seite zum leichten Speichern ist in 5 gezeigt. Die Inhalte der Seite zum leichten Speichern sind im Wesentlichen ähnlich zu jenen der Kopfwiedergewinnungsseite, abgesehen von Tasten für "Ausführung", "nach Ausführung löschen", "Abbruch" und "Mitternacht".
• (C2) Die Miniaturbilder werden in der Reihenfolge angezeigt, die der Reihenfolge der Aufzeichnung der zugehörigen Programme entspricht.
• (C3) Wenn die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a unter den Bedingungen herabgedrückt wird, unter denen eines der Miniaturbilder durch den Cursor festgelegt ist, wird der Cursor zur "Ausführungs"-Taste im angezeigten Bild bewegt. Wenn die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) unter den Bedingungen herabgedrückt wird, unter denen die "Ausführungs"-Taste oder die Taste "nach Ausführung löschen" durch den Cursor festgelegt ist, wird eine Bandeinsetzmeldung angezeigt. Wenn die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) herabgedrückt wird, dann beginnt das dem festgelegten Miniaturbild entsprechende Programm von der Festplatte 23 auf das Magnetband im VTR 13 überspielt zu werden.
• (C4) In dem Fall, in dem das kontinuierliche Überspielen von mehreren Programmen angefordert wird, wenn eines der Miniaturbilder mit dem Cursor festgelegt wird und die Speichertaste auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a herabgedrückt wird, wird die Überspielreihenfolgenummer des Programms, das dem festgelegten Miniaturbild entspricht, registriert und wird auf dem festgelegten Miniaturbild angegeben, wie in 5 gezeigt. In dem Fall, in dem das Miniaturbild durch den Cursor festgelegt bleibt, wenn die Speichertaste auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a wieder herabgedrückt wird, wird die Überspielreihenfolgenummer aus dem Miniaturbild gelöscht, um "abgebrochen" zu melden. In dem Fall, in dem die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a herabgedrückt wird, nachdem der Cursor zur "Ausführungs"-Taste oder zur Taste "nach Ausführung löschen" im angezeigten Bild bewegt ist, wird andererseits das kontinuierliche Überspielen von mehreren Programmen gestartet. Insbesondere weist die Systemsteuereinheit 28 Überspielreihenfolge-Seriennummern den angeforderten Programmen durch Ansprechen auf die über den Fernbedienungssender 20a zugeführten Befehlssignale zu. Die Systemsteuereinheit 28 lädt den internen Speicher mit Informationen, die die Zuweisung der Überspielreihenfolge-Seriennummern zu den angeforderten Programmen darstellen. Die Systemsteuereinheit 28 informiert den OSD-Prozessor 27 über die zugewiesenen Überspielreihenfolge-Seriennummern über die Anzeigesteuereinheit 26. Der OSD-Prozessor 27 überlagert jeweils die Überspielreihenfolge-Seriennummern über die entsprechenden Miniaturbilder. Unter der Steuerung durch die Systemsteuereinheit 28 gibt der Medienmanager 22 nacheinander die angeforderten Programme von der Festplatte 23 in der Reihenfolge wieder, die der Reihenfolge entspricht, die durch die zugewiesenen Überspielreihenfolge-Seriennummern festgelegt ist. Während des kontinuierlichen Überspielens der Programme gibt das HDD 15 die Programme wieder und die wiedergegebenen Programme werden dem Schalter 17 über den D/A-Umsetzer 16 zugeführt. Der Schalter 17 wird durch die Systemsteuereinheit 28 gesteuert, um die wiedergegebenen Programme zum VTR 13 zu übertragen. Die wiedergegebenen Programme werden nacheinander auf das Magnetband im VTR 13 in der Reihenfolge, die durch die zugewiesenen Überspielreihenfolge-Seriennummern festgelegt ist, überspielt.
• (C5) In dem Fall, in dem die "Ausführungs"-Taste zum Zeitpunkt der Vollendung des Überspielens ausgewählt wird, werden das ursprüngliche Programm oder werden die ursprünglichen Programme auf der Festplatte 23 belassen. Außerdem wird das Miniaturbildsignal oder werden die Miniaturbildsignale, das/die dem überspielten Programm oder den überspielten Programmen entspricht/entsprechen, vom HDD-Navigationsdatenbereich H33 der Festplatte 23 in den VHS-Navigationsdatenbereich H34 davon kopiert. Das Miniaturbildsignal oder die Miniaturbildsignale bleibt/bleiben im HDD-Navigationsdatenbereich H33. In dem Fall, in dem die Taste "nach Ausführung löschen" zum Zeitpunkt der Vollendung des Überspielens ausgewählt wird, wird das ursprüngliche Programm oder werden die ursprünglichen Programme von der Festplatte 23 gelöscht. Außerdem wird das Miniaturbildsignal oder werden die Miniaturbildsignale, das/die dem überspielten Programm oder den überspielten Programmen entspricht/entsprechen, aus dem HDD-Navigationsdatenbereich H33 der Festplatte 23 zum VHS-Navigationsdatenbereich H34 davon bewegt. Das Miniaturbildsignal wird oder die Miniaturbildsignale werden vom HDD-Navigationsdatenbereich H33 gelöscht. In dem Fall, dass das Überspielen fehlgeschlagen ist, wird verhindert, dass das ursprüngliche Programm oder die ursprünglichen Programme von der Festplatte 23 gelöscht wird/werden. Es wird auch verhindert, dass das Miniaturbildsignal oder die Miniaturbildsignale aus dem HDD-Navigationsdatenbereich H33 gelöscht wird/werden.
• (C6) Das Festlegen der "Mitternachts"-Taste durch den Cursor führt zur Ausführung der Mitternachts-Überspielbetriebsart der Vorrichtung 10. In diesem Fall wird das Überspielen eines Programms automatisch während eines vorgegebenen Zeitbereichs (beispielsweise von 2 Uhr morgens bis 5 Uhr morgens) ausgeführt. Eine Mitternachts-Überspieltaste zum Befehlen des Mitternachtsüberspielens kann am Fernbedienungssender 20a anstelle von oder zusätzlich zu der "Mitternachts"-Taste auf der Seite zum leichten Speichern vorgesehen sein.

The device 10 has a function of displaying a page for easy storage with respect to the HDD navigation image. The features of the function for displaying a page for easy storage are as follows.

• (C1) When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which the tab is set for easy storage by the cursor, the page for easily storing the HDD navigation image on the display of the television receiver 1 displayed. An example of the page for easy saving is in 5 shown. The contents of the page for easy storage are substantially similar to those of the head recovery page except for keys for "execution", "delete after execution", "cancel" and "midnight".
• (C2) The thumbnails are displayed in the order that corresponds to the order of recording of the associated programs.
• (C3) When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which one of the thumbnails is set by the cursor, the cursor is moved to the "execute" key in the displayed image. If the decision key (OK key) is depressed under the conditions under which the "execute" key or the "delete after execution" key is set by the cursor, a tape insertion message is displayed. When the decision key (OK key) is depressed, the program corresponding to the designated thumbnail starts from the hard disk 23 on the magnetic tape in the VTR 13 to be dubbed.
• (C4) In the case where the continuous dubbing of multiple programs is requested when one of the thumbnails is set with the cursor and the memory button on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed down, the dubbing order number of the program corresponding to the designated thumbnail is registered and indicated on the designated thumbnail, as in 5 shown. In the case where the thumbnail remains fixed by the cursor when the memory button on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed down again, the dubbing order number is deleted from the thumbnail image to indicate "aborted". In the case where the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a On the other hand, the continuous dubbing of multiple programs is started after the cursor is moved to the "execute" key or the "erase after execution" key in the displayed picture. In particular, the system controller 28 Dubbing order serial numbers to the requested programs by responding to them via the remote control transmitter 20a supplied command signals to. The system controller 28 loads the internal memory with information representing the allocation of dubbing order serial numbers to the requested programs. The system controller 28 informs the OSD processor 27 via the assigned dubbing order serial numbers via the display control unit 26 , The OSD processor 27 superimposes the dubbing order serial numbers on the corresponding thumbnails, respectively. Under the control of the system controller 28 gives the media manager 22 successively the requested programs from the hard disk 23 in the order that corresponds to the order specified by the assigned dubbing order serial numbers. During the continuous dubbing of the programs gives the HDD 15 the programs again and the reproduced Pro gramme be the switch 17 via the D / A converter 16 fed. The desk 17 is through the system control unit 28 controlled to the reproduced programs to the VTR 13 transferred to. The reproduced programs are successively recorded on the magnetic tape in the VTR 13 in the order specified by the assigned dubbing order serial numbers.
• (C5) In the case where the "execute" key is selected at the time of completion of dubbing, the original program or programs are written to the hard disk 23 leave. In addition, the thumbnail image signal or thumbnail signals corresponding to the dubbed program or the dubbed programs are read from the hard disk HDD navigation data area H33 23 copied into the VHS navigation data area H34 thereof. The thumbnail signal or thumbnail signals will remain in HDD navigation data area H33. In the case where the "erase after execution" key is selected at the time of completion of dubbing, the original program or programs will be deleted from the hard disk 23 deleted. In addition, the thumbnail image signal or thumbnail signals corresponding to the dubbed program or the dubbed programs are extracted from the HDD navigation data area H33 of the hard disk 23 moved to the VHS navigation data area H34 thereof. The thumbnail image signal or the thumbnail image signals are deleted from the HDD navigation data area H33. In the event that the dubbing failed, it prevents the original program or programs from being deleted from the hard disk 23 is / are deleted. It is also prevented that the thumbnail image signal or the thumbnail image signals are deleted from the HDD navigation data area H33.
• (C6) Setting the "Midnight" key by the cursor causes the midnight dubbing mode of the device to be executed 10 , In this case, dubbing of a program is automatically carried out during a predetermined time range (for example, from 2 o'clock in the morning to 5 o'clock in the morning). A midnight dubbing button for commanding midnight dubbing can be found on the remote control transmitter 20a instead of or in addition to the "midnight" button on the page for easy storage.

• (D1) Navigationsdaten werden im Bereich H34 auf der Festplatte 23 aufgezeichnet. Der Bereich H33 kann anstelle des Bereichs H34 verwendet werden, um eine verbrauchte Kapazität der Festplatte 23 zu speichern. In diesem Fall wird hinsichtlich jedes der Programme ein Flag hinzugefügt, das angibt, ob Navigationsdaten nur für die HDD-Navigation oder für sowohl die HDD-Navigation als auch die VHS-Navigation verwendet werden.
• (D2) Die maximale Anzahl von registrierten Magnetbändern ist gleich 680. Die maximale Anzahl von registrierten Programmen (registrierten Programmen, die durch die Inhaltsignale dargestellt werden), die einer Navigation unterzogen werden, ist gleich 2000 im Titel.
• (D3) Programmgattungen sind von 12 bis 16 Typen, die durch digitalen BS-Rundfunk vorgeschrieben sind.
• (D4) Jeder Programmtitel wird durch höchstens 15 alphanumerische Buchstaben oder Zeichen bezeichnet.
• (D5) Ein Programmbild, das am Beginn der Aufzeichnung eines Programms vorkommt, wird als Miniaturbild registriert. Im Fall des Überspielens eines Programmsignals von der Festplatte 23 auf dem Magnetband des VTR 13 wird ein entsprechendes Miniaturbildsignal vom HDD-Navigationsdatenbereich H33 auf der Festplatte 23 in den VHS-Navigationsdatenbereich H34 darauf kopiert oder bewegt. Hinsichtlich der Aufzeichnung eines Programms von weniger als 5 Minuten auf Reservierungsbasis wird ein Programmbild, das am Beginn der Aufzeichnung vorkommt, als Miniaturbild registriert. Hinsichtlich der Aufzeichnung eines Programms von 5 Minuten oder länger auf Reservierungsbasis wird ein Programmbild, das am Beginn der Aufzeichnung vorkommt, als Miniaturbild registriert und das Miniaturbild wird auf ein Programmbild, das 5 Minuten danach vorkommt, aktualisiert. Wenn das HDD 15 ein Programmsignal aufzeichnet oder wiedergibt, wird die Registrierung eines Miniaturbildes für die VHS-Navigation verhindert. In diesem Fall wird abgesehen von der vorher erwähnten Kopie oder Bewegung "Miniaturbild nicht registriert" in einer Miniaturbildposition angezeigt.
• (D6) Jedes registrierte Miniaturbild kann durch ein überarbeitetes ersetzt werden. Mit anderen Worten, jedes registrierte Miniaturbild kann aktualisiert werden. Insbesondere werden Miniaturbildsignale aus der Festplatte 23 ausgelesen, bevor sie auf der Anzeige des Fernsehempfängers 1 angezeigt werden. Der Anwender kann eines unter den angezeigten Miniaturbildern durch Bedienen des Fernbedienungssenders 20a festlegen. Das Inhaltsignal (das Programmsignal), das dem festgelegten Miniaturbild entspricht, wird aus der Festplatte 23 ausgelesen, bevor es als Bewegungsbild auf einem Teil des Bildschirms der Anzeige des Fernsehempfängers 1 angezeigt wird. Der Anwender kann einen Miniaturbilderfassungsmoment durch Bedienen des Fernbedienungssenders 20a festlegen. Im festgelegten Miniaturbilderfassungsmoment wird das durch das angegebene Inhaltsignal dargestellte vorliegende Bild als Standbild abgetastet (erfasst) und das abgetastete Standbild wird auf einem anderen Teil des Bildschirms der Anzeige des Fernsehempfängers 1 angezeigt. Das abgetastete Standbild bildet ein neues Miniaturbild. Ein Signal, das das neue Miniaturbild darstellt, wird auf der Festplatte 23 aufgezeichnet, während das alte Miniaturbildsignal darauf ersetzt wird.
• (D7) Wenn ein Miniaturbild durch den Cursor festgelegt wird, werden detaillierte Informationen in Bezug auf das Miniaturbild in einem Bildabschnitt unter dem Miniaturbild angezeigt. Die detaillierten Informationen stellen einen Programmtitel, ein Aufzeichnungsdatum, einen Aufzeichnungskanal, eine Aufzeichnungszeit, eine Gattung und ein Bildsymbol oder Bildsymbole dar.

The device 10 has a VHS navigation function that corresponds to the VHS navigation mode. The features of the VHS navigation function are as follows.

• (D1) Navigation data will be in the range H34 on the hard disk 23 recorded. The range H33 can be used instead of the range H34 to a consumed capacity of the hard disk 23 save. In this case, a flag is added for each of the programs indicating whether navigation data is used only for HDD navigation or for both HDD navigation and VHS navigation.
• (D2) The maximum number of registered magnetic tapes is equal to 680. The maximum number of registered programs (registered programs represented by the content signals) undergoing navigation is equal to 2000 in the title.
• (D3) Program types are from 12 to 16 types prescribed by BS digital broadcasting.
• (D4) Each program title is designated by a maximum of 15 alphanumeric letters or characters.
• (D5) A program picture occurring at the beginning of recording a program is registered as a thumbnail picture. In the case of dubbing a program signal from the hard disk 23 on the magnetic tape of the VTR 13 A corresponding thumbnail signal is output from the HDD navigation data area H33 on the hard disk 23 copied or moved to the VHS navigation data area H34. With regard to the recording of a program of less than 5 minutes on reservation basis, a program picture occurring at the beginning of the recording is registered as a thumbnail picture. Regarding the recording of a program of 5 minutes or more on a reservation basis, a program picture occurring at the beginning of the recording is registered as a thumbnail and the thumbnail is updated to a program picture occurring 5 minutes thereafter. If the HDD 15 recording or playing back a program signal, registration of a thumbnail image for VHS navigation is prevented. In this case, "thumbnail not registered" is displayed in a thumbnail position, except for the aforementioned copy or movement.
• (D6) Each registered thumbnail can be replaced with a revised one. In other words, every registered thumbnail can be updated. In particular, thumbnail signals are output from the hard disk 23 read out before appearing on the display of the television receiver 1 are displayed. The user can select one of the displayed thumbnails by operating the remote control transmitter 20a establish. The content signal (the program signal) corresponding to the designated thumbnail image is removed from the hard disk 23 read it out before moving it as a moving picture on a part of the screen of the display television receiver 1 is shown. The user can enter a thumbnail capture torque by operating the remote control transmitter 20a establish. At the set thumbnail detection torque, the present image represented by the specified content signal is scanned (captured) as a still image, and the scanned still image is displayed on another part of the screen of the television receiver display 1 displayed. The scanned image forms a new thumbnail image. A signal representing the new thumbnail image will be on the hard disk 23 while replacing the old thumbnail signal on it.
• (D7) When a thumbnail is specified by the cursor, detailed information regarding the thumbnail is displayed in a portion of the image below the thumbnail. The detailed information represents a program title, a recording date, a recording channel, a recording time, a genre and a picture icon or icons.

The VHS navigation image has four base pages, ie, a head recovery page, a record tag order page, a genre search page, and a tape number order page. The head recovery page is designed to retrieve the heads of the respective recorded contents (of the respective recorded programs) on the magnetic tape. An example of the head recovery page in the VHS navigation image is in 6 shown. Each of the head recovery page, the record day order page, the genre search page, and the tape number order page includes four tabs corresponding to the four base pages, respectively. Any one of the head recovery page, the record day order page, the genre search page and the tape number order page is selected and specified by setting the corresponding tab and then depressing the decision button (OK button). In the head recovery page, a set of four numbers indicating the head identification number is given on an area for the band recovery page tab. During the first recording of information on the magnetic tape, a signal representing the tape identification number is recorded on the control track. Detailed pages are linked to each of the four base pages of the VHS navigation image.

• (E1) Wenn eine Endtaste (Navigationstaste) auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a unter den Bedingungen herabgedrückt wird, unter denen sich die Leistungsversorgung für die Vorrichtung 10 in einem Ein-Zustand befindet und sich der Betrieb der Vorrichtung 10 in der VHS-Betriebsart befindet, wird die Kopfwiedergewinnungsseite des VHS-Navigationsbildes auf der Anzeige des Fernsehempfängers 1 angezeigt. Der Cursor zeigt anfänglich auf das dem zuletzt aufgezeichneten Programm entsprechende Miniaturbild. Der Cursor kann unter den Miniaturbildern gemäß der Bedienung der "+"-angeordneten Cursorbewegungs-Auswahltasten auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a bewegt werden. Die Miniaturbilder können gemäß der Bedienung der "+"-angeordneten Cursorbewegungs-Auswahltasten gerollt werden.
• (E2) Die Miniaturbilder werden in der Reihenfolge angezeigt, die der Reihenfolge der Aufzeichnung der zugehörigen Programme entspricht. Ein Programm in Reservierung wird durch die Meldung "in Reservierung", die im letzten unter Bildabschnitten für die Miniaturbilder angeordnet ist, angegeben.
• (E3) Wenn die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a unter den Bedingungen herabgedrückt wird, unter denen eines der Miniaturbilder durch den Cursor festgelegt ist, wird der Cursor zur Wiedergabetaste im angezeigten Bild bewegt. Wenn die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) herabgedrückt wird, beginnt das dem durch den Cursor festgelegten Miniaturbild entsprechende Programm wiedergegeben zu werden.
• (E4) In dem Fall, in dem die kontinuierliche Wiedergabe von mehreren Programmen angefordert wird, wenn eines der Miniaturbilder durch den Cursor festgelegt ist und die Speichertaste auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a herabgedrückt wird, wird die Wiedergabereihenfolgenummer des dem festgelegten Miniaturbild entsprechenden Programms registriert und wird auf dem festgelegten Miniaturbild in einer Weise ähnlich der in 5 gezeigten angegeben. In dem Fall, in dem das Miniaturbild durch den Cursor festgelegt bleibt, wenn die Speichertaste auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a wieder herabgedrückt wird, wird die Wiedergabereihenfolgenummer vom Miniaturbild gelöscht, um "abgebrochen" anzugeben. In dem Fall, in dem die Entscheidungstaste (OK-Taste) auf dem Fernbedienungssender 20a herabgedrückt wird, nachdem der Cursor zur Wiedergabetaste im angezeigten Bild bewegt ist, wird andererseits die kontinuierliche Wiedergabe von mehreren Programmen gestartet. Insbesondere weist die Systemsteuereinheit 28 Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern den angeforderten Programmen durch Ansprechen auf die über den Fernbedienungssender 20a zugeführten Befehlssignale zu. Die Systemsteuereinheit 28 lädt den internen Speicher mit Informationen, die die Zuweisung der Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern zu den angeforderten Programmen darstellen. Die Systemsteuereinheit 28 informiert den OSD-Prozessor 27 über die zugewiesenen Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern über die Anzeigesteuereinheit 26. Der OSD-Prozessor 27 überlagert die Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern jeweils über die entsprechenden Miniaturbilder. Unter der Steuerung durch die Systemsteuereinheit 28 gibt das VTR 13 nacheinander die angeforderten Programme vom Magnetband in der Reihenfolge wieder, die der Reihenfolge entspricht, die durch die zugewiesenen Wiedergabereihenfolge-Seriennummern bestimmt ist.

The device 10 has a head recovery page display function with respect to the VHS navigation image. The features of the head recovery page display function are as follows.

• (E1) When an end key (navigation key) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which the power supply for the device 10 is in an on state and the operation of the device 10 is in the VHS mode, the head recovery page of the VHS navigation picture is displayed on the television receiver 1 displayed. The cursor initially points to the thumbnail image corresponding to the last recorded program. The cursor may be under the thumbnails according to the operation of the "+" - arranged cursor movement selection keys on the remote control transmitter 20a to be moved. The thumbnails may be scrolled in accordance with the operation of the "+" arranged cursor movement selection keys.
• (E2) The thumbnails are displayed in the order that corresponds to the order of recording of the related programs. A program in reservation is indicated by the message "in reservation", which is located in the last part of the picture for the thumbnails.
• (E3) When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which one of the thumbnails is set by the cursor, the cursor is moved to the play button in the displayed image. When the decision key (OK key) is depressed, the program corresponding to the thumbnail designated by the cursor starts to be reproduced.
• (E4) In the case where the continuous reproduction of multiple programs is requested, when one of the thumbnails is designated by the cursor and the memory button on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed down, the playback order number of the program corresponding to the designated thumbnail is registered and is displayed on the designated thumbnail in a manner similar to that in 5 shown indicated. In the case where the thumbnail remains fixed by the cursor when the memory button on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed down again, the playback sequence number is deleted from the thumbnail image to indicate "aborted". In the case where the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a On the other hand, the continuous playback of multiple programs is started after the cursor is moved to the play button in the displayed picture. In particular, the system controller 28 Playback sequence serial numbers of the requested programs by responding to the via the remote control transmitter 20a supplied command signals to. The system controller 28 loads the internal memory with information indicating the allocation of the playback order series to the requested programs. The system controller 28 informs the OSD processor 27 about the assigned playback order serial numbers via the display control unit 26 , The OSD processor 27 superimposes the playback order serial numbers on the respective thumbnails. Under the control of the system controller 28 gives the VTR 13 successively retrieving the requested programs from the magnetic tape in the order corresponding to the order determined by the assigned reproduction order serial numbers.

Each registered thumbnail for VHS navigation can be edited or updated as follows. When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which one of the thumbnails in the head recovery page of the VHS navigation picture is set by the cursor, the cursor is moved to the play button. In the case where the cursor is moved from the play button to the revision button and then the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed down, a thumbnail retouch image for the VHS navigation (a thumbnail retouch page in the VHS navigation image) is displayed on the television receiver 1 displayed. An example of the thumbnail retouch image for VHS navigation is in 7 shown. The thumbnail rework picture has a left window for displaying an image displayed by a currently reproduced content signal (a program signal being reproduced) and a right window for displaying a registered thumbnail corresponding to the content signal being reproduced. In particular, a miniature image of interest is obtained from the hard disk 23 before it is displayed in the right-hand window of the thumbnail rework picture. On the other hand, a program signal of interest becomes through the VTR 13 and then the switch 17 fed. Under the control of the system controller 28 transmits the switch 17 the reproduced program signal to the A / D converter 14 , The reproduced program signal is transmitted through the A / D converter 14 the HDD 15 fed. The reproduced program signal becomes the media manager 22 via the recording signal processor 31 and the recording control unit 21 transfer. The media manager 22 Records the reproduced program signal on the HDD 23 on while passing through the system control unit 28 is controlled. Then there's the media manager 22 the recorded program signal from the hard disk 23 again. The reproduced program signal is provided by the media manager 22 via the playback control unit 24 , the playback signal processor 25 , the OSD processor 27 and the D / A converter 16 to the switch 18 transfer. Under the control of the system controller 28 transmits the switch 18 the reproduced program signal to the television receiver 1 , The reproduced program signal is displayed in the left window of the thumbnail rework picture.

In the case where the thumbnail retouch image for VHS navigation is displayed, when a play button, rewind button or fast-forward button on the remote control transmitter is displayed 20a is pressed, a corresponding program signal from the magnetic tape in the VTR 13 reproduced according to the key operation. The reproduced program signal is displayed in the left window of the thumbnail rework picture. When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which a detection key is set in the thumbnail reworking image by the cursor, the present image represented by the displayed program signal is scanned (detected) as a new thumbnail. A signal indicative of the new thumbnail image is passed through the old thumbnail signal in the VHS navigation data area H34 of the hard disk 23 written. Further, the new thumbnail image signal is displayed in the right window of the thumbnail reworking image instead of the old thumbnail image signal. When a key for a previous image in the thumbnail retouch image is designated by the cursor, the old thumbnail image signal is selected instead of the new thumbnail image signal. In this case, the old thumbnail will reappear in the right pane of the Thumbnail Review image. When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which the capture key in the thumbnail retouch image is designated by the cursor, the current image displayed in the right window of the thumbnail retouch image is finally defined (captured) as a new thumbnail. A signal indicative of the new thumbnail will be displayed in the VHS navigation data area H34 of the hard disk 23 registered as a thumbnail signal after the revision or as resulting from the revision thumbnail image signal.

Each registered thumbnail for HDD navigation can be edited or updated as follows. When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which one of the thumbnail images in the head recovery side of the HDD navigation image is set by the cursor, the cursor is moved to the play button. In the case where the cursor is moved from the play button to the override button and then the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed down, a thumbnail retouch image for the HDD navigation (a thumbnail retouch page in the HDD navigation image) is displayed on the television receiver 1 displayed. The thumbnail rendering image for HDD navigation is the same as the one in 7 except for the following point. The image section "HDD-NAVI" replaces the image section "VHS-NAVI". The thumbnail retouch image for HDD navigation has a left window for displaying an image represented by a content signal being reproduced (a program signal being reproduced) and a right window for displaying a registered thumbnail corresponding to the content signal being reproduced, on. In the thumbnail revision image for HDD navigation, the cursor is located on the capture button.

In the case where the thumbnail retouch image for the HDD navigation is displayed when the play button, the rewind button or the fast-forward button on the remote control transmitter 20a is pressed, a corresponding program signal from the hard disk 23 reproduced according to the key operation. The reproduced program signal is displayed in the left window of the thumbnail rework picture. When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which the detection key is set in the thumbnail reworking image by the cursor, the present image represented by the displayed program signal is scanned (detected) as a new thumbnail. A signal indicative of the new thumbnail image is transmitted via the old thumbnail signal in the HDD navigation data area H33 of the hard disk 23 written. Further, the new thumbnail image signal is displayed in the right window of the thumbnail reworking image instead of the old thumbnail image signal. When the button for a previous picture in the thumbnail rework picture is set by the cursor, the old thumbnail picture signal is selected instead of the new thumbnail picture signal. In this case, the old thumbnail will reappear in the right pane of the Thumbnail Review image. When the decision button (OK button) on the remote control transmitter 20a is depressed under the conditions under which the detection key is set in the thumbnail rework picture by the cursor, the present picture displayed in the right window of the thumbnail rework picture is finally defined (captured) as a new thumbnail. A signal indicative of the new thumbnail image becomes the HDD navigation data area H33 of the hard disk 23 registered as a thumbnail signal after the revision or as resulting from the revision thumbnail image signal.

Second embodiment

8th shows a portion of an information recording and reproducing apparatus 10A according to a second embodiment of this invention. The device 10A is to the device 10 (please refer 1 and 2 ) except for design changes mentioned below.

As in 8th shown includes the device 10A a CPU 12A that the CPU 12 (please refer 1 and 2 ) replaced. The CPU 12A includes a system controller 28A instead of the system controller 28 (please refer 2 ).

The system controller 28A For example, it includes a microcomputer or similar device having a combination of an input / output port, a processing section, a RAM, and a ROM. The system controller 28A operates according to a control program stored in the ROM. The control program is designed to be the system controller 28A to allow to implement operational steps which will be mentioned later.

During the HDD recording mode of the device 10A receives the system controller 28A from the media manager 22 a signal representing an image in a program represented by the content signal occurring at the beginning of the recording of the program (the content signal). The system controller 28A sets the signal representing the program start picture to a signal indicating a thumbnail picture. In addition, the system controller receives 28A from the media manager 22 Information indicating the attributes of the program represented by the content signal. The attribute information indicates whether or not the program is of a copy-prohibition type, whether the program is of a headless type or not, whether the program is of a stereo type or not, if the program is of a bilingual broadcast type or not and if the program of a CM-cut automatic type or not. The piece of attribute information related to the copy prohibition is from copyright management information included in the content signal. The system controller 28A receives the reservation-related information from the recording reservation manager 29 , Based on the attribute information and the reservation related information, the system controller generates 28A Signals representing a reserved program image icon for each week, a reserved program image icon for every day, a copy prohibition program icon, a headless program icon, a stereo program icon, an icon for a bilingual circular radio program, display an image icon for a program recorded by a timer, and an icon for a CM automatic editing program. On the basis of the information of the present date and the information of the present time, that of the system clock 30 and also of command signals transmitted via the remote control receiver 20b are supplied, the system controller generates 28A detailed program related information representing a program title, a recording date, a recording channel, a recording time, a genre, and another icon or other icons. The system controller 28A Combines the thumbnail signal, icon signals, and detailed program related information into HDD navigation data. The system controller 28A gives the HDD navigation data to the media manager 22 out. The system controller 28A controls the media manager 22 , whereby the HDD navigation data in the range H33 (see 3 ) on the hard disk 23 to be recorded.

If a program or programs from the disk 23 on the magnetic tape in the VTR 13 (please refer 1 ) is dubbed, an associated segment or segments of the HDD navigation data is / are copied as VHS navigation data. The VHS navigation data are in the range H34 (see 3 ) of the hard disk 23 saved.

When the navigation key on the remote control transmitter 20a (please refer 1 ) is a navigation command signal from the remote control transmitter 20a to the system controller 28A via the remote control receiver 20b (please refer 1 ) transfer. The system controller 28A controls the media manager 22 by responding to the navigation command signal, whereby the signal resulting from the compression of the HDD navigation image or the resulting from the compression signal of the VHS navigation image from the hard disk 23 is reproduced. When the navigation command signal relates to the HDD navigation, the compression-resultant signal of the HDD navigation image is reproduced. On the other hand, when the navigation command signal relates to the VHS navigation, the signal of the VHS navigation picture resulting from the compression is reproduced. The system controller 28A expands the reproduced signal of the HDD navigation image or the reproduced signal of the VHS navigation image. The system controller 28A indicates the expansion-resultant signal of the HDD navigation image or the expansion-resultant signal of the VHS navigation image to the reproduction control unit 24 out. The playback control unit 24 and the switch 18 be from the system controller 28 so controlled that the signal of the HDD navigation image or the signal of the VHS navigation image from the playback control unit 24 to the television receiver 1 via the playback signal processor 25 , the OSD processor 27 , the D / A converter 16 and the switch 18 can be transferred. Consequently, the HDD navigation picture or the VHS navigation picture on the display of the television receiver 1 are displayed. In addition, the system controller controls 28A the media manager 22 , which removes the thumbnail signals from the hard disk 23 be reproduced. When the navigation command signal relates to the HDD navigation, the thumbnail signals for the HDD navigation are reproduced. On the other hand, when the navigation command signal relates to the VHS navigation, the thumbnail signals for the VHS navigation are reproduced. The system controller 28A transmits the thumbnail signals from the media manager 22 to the display control unit 26 , The display control unit 26 The thumbnail image signals are supplied to the OSD processor 27 to. The OSD processor 27 superimposes the thumbnail image signals on the signal of the HDD navigation image or the signal of the VHS navigation image. Consequently, the HDD navigation picture or the VHS navigation picture displayed on the television receiver 1 is displayed, the thumbnails in prescribed display positions. Further, the system controller controls 28A the media manager 22 , which provides the detailed program-related information from the disk 23 be reproduced. When the navigation command signal relates to the HDD navigation, the detailed program related information for the HDD navigation is reproduced. On the other hand, when the navigation command signal relates to the VHS navigation, the detailed program-related information for the VHS navigation is reproduced. The system controller 28A transmits the detailed program related information from the media manager 22 to the display control unit 26 , The display control unit 26 The detailed program-related information is passed to the OSD processor 27 to. The OSD processor 27 superimposes the detailed information related to the program on the signal of the HDD navigation image or the signal of the VHS navigation image. Consequently, the HDD navigation image or the VHS navigation image displayed on the television receiver 1 is displayed, parts according to the detailed information related to the program. In addition, the system controller controls 28A the media manager 22 , causing the icon signals from the disk 23 be reproduced. When the navigation command signal relates to the HDD navigation, the icon signals for the HDD navigation are reproduced. On the other hand, if the navigation command signal relates to VHS navigation, The picture symbol signals for the VHS navigation are reproduced. The system controller 28A transmits the icon signals from the media manager 22 to the display control unit 26 , The display control unit 26 The image symbol signals are supplied to the OSD processor 27 to. The OSD processor 27 superimposes the image symbol signals on the signal of the HDD navigation image or the signal of the VHS navigation image. Consequently, the HDD navigation picture or the VHS navigation picture displayed on the television receiver 1 is displayed on the icons.

Examples of the icons are in 9 shown. There is the image icon for a reser- ved program for each week, the reserved program image icon for each day, the icon for a copy prohibition program, the headless program icon, the stereo program icon, the icon for a bilingual broadcast program, the icon for a timer-recorded program and the image icon for a CM automatic editing program.

in the HDD navigation image or VHS image are the image icon for a reserved Program for every week, the icon for a reserved program for every day, the icon for a No-copy program and the icon for a headless program in an area over the associated Thumbnail. In the HDD navigation picture or VHS picture are the icon for a stereo broadcast program, the icon for a bilingual broadcasting program, the icon for a with Timer recorded program and the icon for an automatic CM editing program in an area under the associated thumbnail.

The Icon for a reserved program for every week, the icon for a reserved program for every day and the icon for a copy prohibition program will only be used by HDD navigation. The icon for a headless program and the icon for a CM automatic editing program are only used by VHS navigation. The icon for a stereo broadcast program, the icon for a bilingual broadcast program and the icon for a with Timer recorded program are used both by the HDD navigation as well as used by VHS navigation.

A program signal transmitted from a BS digital broadcasting station and a program signal reproduced from a DVD (digital versatile disc) contain copyright management information. In general, the copyright management information represents "copying prohibited", "copying allowed only once" or "copying allowed". The system controller 28A obtains the copyright management information from the program signal via the media manager 22 , The system controller 28A generates the signal indicating the icon for a copy prohibition signal on the basis of the copyright management information. In the case where a program signal containing copyright management information representing "copying only allowed once" is on the hard disk 23 to be recorded, updates or changes the system controller 28A the copyright management information to represent "copy prohibited" before the program signal is actually on the disk 23 is recorded. In this case, the system controller generates 28A the signal indicating the image icon for a copy prohibition program based on the updated copyright management information.

Claims (3)

An information recording and reproducing apparatus comprising: a first means ( 11 . 14 . 17 . 21 . 22 . 28 . 31 ) for recording a plurality of video content signals on a recording medium ( 23 ); a second means ( 22 . 28 ) for generating signals representing thumbnails in response to the respective video content signals and for recording the signals representing the thumbnails on the recording medium ( 23 ); a third remedy ( 1 . 16 . 18 . 22 . 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 . 28 ) for reproducing the signals representing the thumbnail images from the recording medium ( 23 ) and for allowing the thumbnail images respectively to be displayed for selection of one of the video content signals in an image at first thumbnail display positions; a fourth means ( 1 . 16 . 18 . 22 . 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 . 28 ) for playing one of the video content signals corresponding to the selected one of the thumbnail images; and a fifth remedy ( 1 . 16 . 18 . 22 . 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 . 28 ) for generating a signal representing a reservation state of the video content signal in a record reservation in the presence of a video content signal in a record reservation and for enabling the reservation state for selection of one of the video content signals at a second thumbnail display position in the image. An information recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sixth means ( 11 . 14 . 17 . 21 . 22 . 28 . 31 ) for recording the video content signal in the reservation on the recording medium ( 23 ), a seventh means ( 22 . 28 ) for generating a signal representing a thumbnail in response to the video in in the reservation when the sixth means ( 11 . 14 . 17 . 21 . 22 . 28 . 31 ) starts to record the video content signal in the reservation, an eighth means ( 22 . 28 ) for recording the signal representing the thumbnail corresponding to the video content signal in the reservation on the recording medium ( 23 ) and a ninth means ( 1 . 16 . 18 . 22 . 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 . 28 ) to replace the reservation state with the thumbnail corresponding to the video content signal in the reservation and to allow the thumbnail to be displayed at the second thumbnail display position. An information recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a tenth means ( 22 . 28 ) for generating a signal representing a new thumbnail in response to the video content signal in the reservation at a time after a predetermined period of time after the seventh means ( 22 . 28 ) that produces the old thumbnail signal, an eleventh ( 22 . 28 ) for recording the new thumbnail image signal over the old thumbnail signal on the recording medium ( 23 ) and a twelfth ( 1 . 16 . 18 . 22 . 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 . 28 ) to replace the old thumbnail with the new thumbnail and to allow the new thumbnail to be displayed at the second thumbnail display position.